SACRAMENTO -- Despite a looming deadline in an already contentious effort to solve California's vexing water troubles, 19 state lawmakers have planned to fly overseas on other legislative business by the end of next week.
Destinations include China, Azerbaijan, Germany, Argentina and Brazil.The Legislature has called a special session on water in hopes of placing a multibillion dollar bond measure on the Feb. 5 ballot. It normally would have until Sept. 27 to approve a measure to pay for new reservoirs to protect against drought. The measure also would address environmental issues in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta caused by the diversion of water to Southern California.
However, at least a quarter of the 40 senators are heading out of town, including six lawmakers leaving Thursday for a two-week official trip to South America, which includes a visit to Iguacu Falls and other tourist attractions. As a result, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata has concluded action needs to be wrapped up before Thursday to assure getting the measure on the ballot.
Meanwhile, nine state Assembly members are heading to China this weekend for a 12-day trip.
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez is doubtful that legislators can work out a deal in three working days.
"Given the complexity and the billions of dollars involved, it's highly unlikely we'll have an agreement" by the deadline, said Steve Maviglio, a spokesman for Nunez.
Perata is not giving up hope.
"We've been having bipartisan discussions all year long on the topic of water supply and reliability, and so reaching a compromise by the 20th is possible," Perata said Friday. "I remain hopeful we can meet that goal."
The delegation to Brazil and Argentina is made up of Sens. Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego), Minority Leader Dick Ackerman (R-Irvine) and Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria). Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) is going just to Argentina, and Sen. Louis Correa (D-Santa Ana) leaves Sept. 28 for Brazil.
The lawmakers are paying for their own airplane tickets, with some probably tapping political officeholder accounts, but localhotel, meal and ground transportation expenses are being covered in part by Fundación Nueva Generación Argentina, a nonprofit organization that promotes democracy and civic education.
